Mountain Bikes Mountain Bikes Mountain Bikes

MidnightSti05 · 08-28-2008, 12:43 PM

Is it possible to get a decent mountain bike for under $200? I haven't been biking in years, I have access to some great dc area trails without even needing to get into a car but I don't want to spend $$$$$$$ for some bike pro's dream bike.

I this one

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=3209040

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Akirasoft · 08-28-2008, 12:47 PM

you can get something used, otherwise no.

Not-EWRX · 08-28-2008, 12:48 PM

I think you could find the same if not better quality at walmart for that price.

delongedoug · 08-28-2008, 12:50 PM

If you're looking at a bike that cheap, you probably can't tell the difference between a cheap and quasi-decent bike anyways.

The answer is yes, you can get an ok used mountain bike for $200 to enjoy.

enkd · 08-28-2008, 12:51 PM

no
/thread

TubeDriver · 08-28-2008, 12:51 PM

That is a POS.

You can get something like this for not much more $$$:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...0+Bike+07.aspx

or somthing pretty decent for a little more money like:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...p+Bike+07.aspx

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidnightSti05

Is it possible to get a decent mountain bike for under $200? I haven't been biking in years, I have access to some great dc area trails without even needing to get into a car but I don't want to spend $$$$$$$ for some bike pro's dream bike.

I this one

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=3209040

Kiwi · 08-28-2008, 12:55 PM

I'd stay away for any new full suspension bike under $1000, let alone for $300.

under pressure · 08-28-2008, 01:00 PM

Diamondback Coil EX - about $375ish

Its heavier, but most lower end models will be. If you are looking to buy new, in this price range, seems to be a pretty solid choice.

JxOxExY · 08-28-2008, 01:08 PM

Look for used hardtails....thats all.

afviper · 08-28-2008, 01:14 PM

What is your idea of a trail? A paved bike path, smooth singletrack, rocky trail with some drop-offs?

Actual mountain bikes usually start at around $500. If you look used you might get something decent for $300.

The Motel Fella · 08-28-2008, 01:16 PM

I'm glad you asked this Rod...I am thinking I'd like one myself...but spending more than a few hundred is retarded.

Unfortunately I need the biggest frames they make to be comfortable, and finding them used in my price range is damn near impossible.

PDT166 · 08-28-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi

I'd stay away for any new full suspension bike under $1000, let alone for $300.

Same goes with anything that has a kickstand listed as a key spec.

wango55 · 08-28-2008, 01:27 PM

http://www.target.com/Forge-Sawback-...%20bike&page=1

Get yourself a 10% off coupon at Target, or free shipping and this can be had for around 300. Check out mtbr.com - this bike gets great reviews there, and no, I'm not joking. For you bike nerds, check the components this thing has - well spec'd for about $200 less than you would expect.

TubeDriver · 08-28-2008, 02:28 PM

I agree, it is about as good as it gets new in this price range.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wango55

http://www.target.com/Forge-Sawback-...%20bike&page=1

Get yourself a 10% off coupon at Target, or free shipping and this can be had for around 300. Check out mtbr.com - this bike gets great reviews there, and no, I'm not joking. For you bike nerds, check the components this thing has - well spec'd for about $200 less than you would expect.

MidnightSti05 · 08-28-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afviper

What is your idea of a trail? A paved bike path, smooth singletrack, rocky trail with some drop-offs?

Actual mountain bikes usually start at around $500. If you look used you might get something decent for $300.

It will be constantly mixed, dirt, gravel, road...etc.

What makes these bikes better than a huffy for $150?

Bochet · 08-28-2008, 02:45 PM

fisher advance is as cheap as i would go for a mtn bike. i rode too hard for it and upgraded to a gt avalanche. frame was too heavy and the geometry was set up for more downhill and i do more xcountry. finally got a fisher hkek and love it, perfect bike. mine is running the avid bb7 disc brakes instead of the hayes hfx9s.

i also have a colnago master x light headed to me for the road

nhluhr · 08-28-2008, 02:50 PM

Valid Answer #1: No.
Valid Answer #2: if you're willing to buy uesd.

SilverFleet · 08-28-2008, 04:03 PM

I got a Schwinn full suspension bike from Target a few months back for $200. It's been pretty good up until the last time I took it out. It's having a little trouble shifting, but I'm sure it needs some sort of shifter cable adjustment. Considering it was probably slapped together by a bunch of teenagers getting paid minimum wage, it's been good. I've taken it over some pretty rough trails, and it hasn't fallen apart yet.

One thing I've found out about the bikes at Target, Wal Mart, etc. is that they are all made by Pacific Cycle now, so they are all basically the same. The Schwinns at Target and the Mongoose bikes at Wal Mart are pretty much the same bikes.

With that said, I'd look on Craigslist first and see if there is a crazy deal on something local and used. If not, try your luck at your local discount store of your choice.

EnterTheDragon · 08-28-2008, 04:51 PM

Do Not Get A Dual Suspension Bike For That Pricepoint

VpointVick · 08-28-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akirasoft

you can get something used, otherwise no.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxOxExY

Look for used hardtails....thats all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhluhr

Valid Answer #1: No.
Valid Answer #2: if you're willing to buy uesd.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi

I'd stay away for any new full suspension bike under $1000, let alone for $300.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnterTheDragon

Do Not Get A Dual Suspension Bike For That Pricepoint

All of these are 100% correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wango55

http://www.target.com/Forge-Sawback-...%20bike&page=1

Get yourself a 10% off coupon at Target, or free shipping and this can be had for around 300. Check out mtbr.com - this bike gets great reviews there, and no, I'm not joking. For you bike nerds, check the components this thing has - well spec'd for about $200 less than you would expect.

That's actually not too bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverFleet

I got a Schwinn full suspension bike from Target a few months back for $200. It's been pretty good up until the last time I took it out. It's having a little trouble shifting, but I'm sure it needs some sort of shifter cable adjustment. Considering it was probably slapped together by a bunch of teenagers getting paid minimum wage, it's been good. I've taken it over some pretty rough trails, and it hasn't fallen apart yet.

One thing I've found out about the bikes at Target, Wal Mart, etc. is that they are all made by Pacific Cycle now, so they are all basically the same. The Schwinns at Target and the Mongoose bikes at Wal Mart are pretty much the same bikes.

With that said, I'd look on Craigslist first and see if there is a crazy deal on something local and used. If not, try your luck at your local discount store of your choice.

Schwinn, Mongoose, and GT are all owned by Pacific. All three brands still make fairly respectable bikes, but the majority of their offerings are crap. All Pacific branded bikes are crap.

mchrenen · 08-28-2008, 05:05 PM

If your going hardtail I would get steel. Alum. can be very rigid, steel is much more forgiving and can also take more abuse. The difference in price you see will be the component groups and frame material. I would buy from a bike shop it will be better assembled, you can get properly fitted and you can go back for tune-ups etc.

Sharkbait · 08-28-2008, 05:06 PM

While we're on this topic- the homeless guy at the intersection near work today had a Gary Fisher bike. Aren't those really good - expensive- bikes?

quentinberg007 · 08-28-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotelprowrx

I'm glad you asked this Rod...I am thinking I'd like one myself...but spending more than a few hundred is retarded.

Unfortunately I need the biggest frames they make to be comfortable, and finding them used in my price range is damn near impossible.

If you are going to ride the bike more than 20 times, it is well worth spending $400. Those $200 bikes are nearly impossible to adjust/maintain, and they are assembled poorly in the first place. They become throw away bikes because they are constantly breaking or needing adjustment.

That said, my $2500 bike is a complete maintenance whore. But, my god, it is a rocket ship.

~~Quentin

MidnightSti05 · 08-28-2008, 05:08 PM

why not cheap dual suspension?

Layman · 08-28-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidnightSti05

Is it possible to get a decent mountain bike for under $200? I haven't been biking in years, I have access to some great dc area trails without even needing to get into a car but I don't want to spend $$$$$$$ for some bike pro's dream bike.

Not new, but you might be able to find one on craigslist for about that. Also, you can look for sales around this time of year. I know Jard and ShannonO have a friend with a bike shop - you might want to ping them.

If you're interested in a used bike, ping me. I have a friend that deals used bikes all the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharkbait

While we're on this topic- the homeless guy at the intersection near work today had a Gary Fisher bike. Aren't those really good - expensive- bikes?

Not all of them.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
GT mountain bike, tried and true bike, lots invested	wrxsnowstyle	SCIC Private Classifieds	8	03-16-2007 03:38 AM
Mountain biking?	cRayZee	North West Impreza Club Forum -- NWIC	27	07-21-2006 06:23 PM
For the Madison area Mountain Bikers: Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is opening!	foofoo982	Mid West Subaru Owners Club Forum -- MWSOC	4	06-16-2006 02:29 PM
Mountain Bike Peeps...pick my bike...	Neek	Off-Topic	32	06-26-2005 01:13 PM
FS/FT: Haro Backtrail X24 bike and a Mountain Cycles bike 20"	WRX_scott	Private 'For Sale' Classifieds	0	08-28-2004 01:32 AM

08-28-2008, 12:43 PM	#1
MidnightSti05 Scooby Guru Member#: 74064 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC	Mountain Bikes Mountain Bikes Mountain Bikes Is it possible to get a decent mountain bike for under $200? I haven't been biking in years, I have access to some great dc area trails without even needing to get into a car but I don't want to spend $$$$$$$ for some bike pro's dream bike. I this one http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=3209040 * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

08-28-2008, 12:47 PM	#2
Akirasoft Scooby Guru Member#: 2973 Join Date: Nov 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wonder Lake, IL Vehicle: 2011 GT500 SVTPP Black	you can get something used, otherwise no.

08-28-2008, 12:48 PM	#3
Not-EWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 158043 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: SLC Vehicle: old Something new SWP	I think you could find the same if not better quality at walmart for that price.

08-28-2008, 12:50 PM	#4
delongedoug Scooby Specialist Member#: 124113 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: To infinity Vehicle: and beyond!	If you're looking at a bike that cheap, you probably can't tell the difference between a cheap and quasi-decent bike anyways. The answer is yes, you can get an ok used mountain bike for $200 to enjoy.

08-28-2008, 12:51 PM	#5
enkd Scooby Newbie Member#: 15376 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bozo MT Vehicle: '02 WRX Wagon '87 BMW 535is	no /thread

08-28-2008, 12:55 PM	#7
Kiwi Scooby Newbie Member#: 67942 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: I come from the Land DownUnder Vehicle: The Other Land Down Under	I'd stay away for any new full suspension bike under $1000, let alone for $300.

08-28-2008, 01:00 PM	#8
under pressure Scooby Newbie Member#: 92776 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: in the desert Vehicle: o6 black speeding	Diamondback Coil EX - about $375ish Its heavier, but most lower end models will be. If you are looking to buy new, in this price range, seems to be a pretty solid choice.

08-28-2008, 01:08 PM	#9
JxOxExY Scooby Newbie Member#: 45043 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: StudioCity/Woodlandhills/SanJo Vehicle: 2004 WRX	Look for used hardtails....thats all.

08-28-2008, 01:14 PM	#10
afviper Scooby Newbie Member#: 89493 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Kirkland, WA Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS Red	What is your idea of a trail? A paved bike path, smooth singletrack, rocky trail with some drop-offs? Actual mountain bikes usually start at around $500. If you look used you might get something decent for $300.

08-28-2008, 01:16 PM	#11
The Motel Fella Scooby Specialist Member#: 140147 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Billyburg, VA Vehicle: 02 B12S 04Odyssey I make minivans look hot	I'm glad you asked this Rod...I am thinking I'd like one myself...but spending more than a few hundred is retarded. Unfortunately I need the biggest frames they make to be comfortable, and finding them used in my price range is damn near impossible.

08-28-2008, 01:27 PM	#13
wango55 Scooby Newbie Member#: 139895 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: CT Vehicle: 10 2.5i Sedan Dark Gray Metallic	http://www.target.com/Forge-Sawback-...%20bike&page=1 Get yourself a 10% off coupon at Target, or free shipping and this can be had for around 300. Check out mtbr.com - this bike gets great reviews there, and no, I'm not joking. For you bike nerds, check the components this thing has - well spec'd for about $200 less than you would expect.

08-28-2008, 02:45 PM	#16
Bochet Scooby Newbie Member#: 155613 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Charleston, SC	fisher advance is as cheap as i would go for a mtn bike. i rode too hard for it and upgraded to a gt avalanche. frame was too heavy and the geometry was set up for more downhill and i do more xcountry. finally got a fisher hkek and love it, perfect bike. mine is running the avid bb7 disc brakes instead of the hayes hfx9s. i also have a colnago master x light headed to me for the road

08-28-2008, 02:50 PM	#17
nhluhr John Wayne Toilet Paper Moderator Member#: 7327 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA Vehicle: 2008 Mazdaspeed3 2006 Wrangler Sport	Valid Answer #1: No. Valid Answer #2: if you're willing to buy uesd.

08-28-2008, 04:03 PM	#18
SilverFleet Scooby Specialist Member#: 91941 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: South Shore, MA Vehicle: 2012 Mazda3, 87 CSX, 79 Trans Am WS6	I got a Schwinn full suspension bike from Target a few months back for $200. It's been pretty good up until the last time I took it out. It's having a little trouble shifting, but I'm sure it needs some sort of shifter cable adjustment. Considering it was probably slapped together by a bunch of teenagers getting paid minimum wage, it's been good. I've taken it over some pretty rough trails, and it hasn't fallen apart yet. One thing I've found out about the bikes at Target, Wal Mart, etc. is that they are all made by Pacific Cycle now, so they are all basically the same. The Schwinns at Target and the Mongoose bikes at Wal Mart are pretty much the same bikes. With that said, I'd look on Craigslist first and see if there is a crazy deal on something local and used. If not, try your luck at your local discount store of your choice.

08-28-2008, 04:51 PM	#19
EnterTheDragon Scooby Guru Member#: 6511 Join Date: May 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: West of the Atlantic	Do Not Get A Dual Suspension Bike For That Pricepoint

08-28-2008, 05:05 PM	#21
mchrenen Scooby Newbie Member#: 72427 Join Date: Oct 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: W. Suburbs, IL Vehicle: 03 WRX MBP - sold! 07 FXT Sports UGM FTW	If your going hardtail I would get steel. Alum. can be very rigid, steel is much more forgiving and can also take more abuse. The difference in price you see will be the component groups and frame material. I would buy from a bike shop it will be better assembled, you can get properly fitted and you can go back for tune-ups etc.

08-28-2008, 05:06 PM	#22
Sharkbait Scooby Specialist Member#: 37221 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: International Location: LDN W14 or Stalking Schumacher Vehicle: 2012 Abarth 1984 Porsche 911	While we're on this topic- the homeless guy at the intersection near work today had a Gary Fisher bike. Aren't those really good - expensive- bikes?

08-28-2008, 05:08 PM	#24
MidnightSti05 Scooby Guru Member#: 74064 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC	why not cheap dual suspension?